Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL9 Frameset - Gloss Carbon

One Frameset to Rule Them All

The all-new Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL9 Frameset is the foundation of the fastest road bike Specialized has ever created. Not simply because it’s lighter. Not just because it’s more aerodynamic. Not only because it handles with incredible precision. It’s faster because every element of the chassis has been engineered around one ultimate objective: delivering the lowest real-world Time to Finish.

Designed inside the Specialized Science Club, refined through countless hours of Win Tunnel testing, and validated using advanced race simulations with WorldTour athletes, the Tarmac SL9 frameset gives you the ultimate platform to create your own uncompromising race bike.

Every gram saved, every watt reduced, and every handling improvement exists for one purpose — speed.

Whether you're building a lightweight climbing machine, an aerodynamic race bike, or the ultimate all-rounder, the S-Works Tarmac SL9 Frameset provides the foundation to build it your way.

The Lowest Time to Finish Ever Recorded

Specialized has shifted the conversation beyond weight, stiffness, or aerodynamics alone.

The true measure of performance is Time to Finish.

Using its comprehensive race simulation program, Specialized demonstrated that the Tarmac SL9 platform consistently delivers faster race times across a wide variety of terrain. Race simulations showed that Demi Vollering would have finished 14 seconds faster during the decisive stage of the 2024 Tour de France Femmes aboard the Tarmac SL9 — a margin capable of changing cycling history.

This isn't simply the fastest Tarmac Specialized has developed.

It's the foundation of the fastest road bike Specialized has ever produced.

Aero Where It Matters

Every tube profile of the Tarmac SL9 frameset has been redesigned using decades of aerodynamic research and Specialized's latest Win Tunnel technology.

The result is a platform that's 4 watts faster than the previous generation while maintaining exceptional ride quality and remarkably low weight.

Key aerodynamic innovations include:

• Speed Sniffer Head Tube with a 10% reduction in frontal area

• Win Fin rear airflow management

• Dropped Down Tube for smoother airflow around the frame

• Flow Fork with twisted-blade aerodynamic shaping

• S-Works Rapide Aero Seatpost designed to reduce turbulence behind the rider

Rather than chasing laboratory numbers alone, these aerodynamic improvements have been developed around the conditions riders actually experience on the road.

687 Grams. No Compromise.

At the heart of the S-Works Tarmac SL9 Frameset is Specialized's flagship FACT 12r Carbon construction.

Thanks to Specialized's advanced Flow State Design, the frame weighs an astonishing 687 grams, making it one of the lightest production road race frames while maintaining the stiffness, durability and aerodynamic performance required for elite-level racing.

Every gram has been carefully optimized to improve acceleration, climbing performance and responsiveness without sacrificing confidence at high speed.

The result is an exceptionally light platform ready to be built with the components and configuration of your choice.

One with the Rider

The Tarmac SL9 isn't just about measurable aerodynamic and weight advantages. Its chassis has been engineered to create an exceptionally direct connection between rider and road.

The combination of lateral stiffness, carefully controlled compliance and precise steering creates handling that feels natural and predictable.

Whether diving into technical descents, accelerating out of corners or climbing out of the saddle, the SL9 responds immediately to rider input.

It is this balance of speed, efficiency and control that makes the Tarmac such a versatile foundation for an uncompromising race build.

Rider First Engineered™

Every frame size, from 44 cm to 61 cm, has been individually developed using Specialized's Rider First Engineered™ philosophy.

Rather than simply scaling the same carbon structure across different sizes, each frame receives size-specific engineering to achieve the intended stiffness, compliance and handling characteristics.

The objective is simple: deliver the same Tarmac experience regardless of rider size.

Build It Your Way

A flagship frameset should give you the freedom to create exactly the bike you want.

The S-Works Tarmac SL9 Frameset provides the heart of the platform — the FACT 12r carbon frame, S-Works carbon fork, aerodynamic Rapide carbon seatpost and integrated hardware — leaving the choice of drivetrain, wheels, cockpit, saddle and finishing components to you.

Build it around SRAM RED AXS. Choose Shimano Dura-Ace Di2. Prioritize absolute weight, maximum aerodynamics or create a balanced configuration capable of doing everything.

The SL9 provides the platform.

The final build is yours.

Built to Win Everywhere

Unlike frames developed exclusively around climbing or aerodynamics, the S-Works Tarmac SL9 is designed to excel across virtually every type of road racing terrain.

From alpine passes to fast criteriums, rolling classics to Grand Tour stages, every element of the chassis has been developed to maximize speed where it actually matters.

One frameset.

Unlimited possibilities.

One objective. Win.

Key Features

• S-Works FACT 12r Carbon frame

• 687 g claimed frame weight

• Rider First Engineered™ construction

• Win Tunnel Engineered aerodynamic design

• Flow State Design ultra-light carbon layup

• Speed Sniffer head tube with reduced frontal area

• Flow Fork aerodynamic blade design

• Win Fin rear airflow management

• Dropped Down Tube for reduced aerodynamic drag

• S-Works FACT 12r Carbon fork

• S-Works Rapide FACT Carbon aero seatpost

• CeramicSpeed SLT headset bearings

• Integrated Tarmac seat binder

• Threaded bottom bracket platform

• 12 × 100 mm front thru-axle

• 12 × 142 mm rear thru-axle

• Flat-mount disc brake compatible

• Electronic drivetrain compatible

• Designed as the ultimate platform for a custom high-performance road build

Specifications

Why Choose the Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL9 Frameset?

The Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL9 Frameset gives you the foundation to create one of the most advanced road bikes in the world entirely around your own preferences.

At its heart is an astonishingly lightweight 687-gram FACT 12r carbon frame, combining Specialized's latest aerodynamic development with WorldTour-level handling and Rider First Engineered™ construction.

Instead of accepting the component choices of a complete bike, the frameset allows you to select every element yourself — drivetrain, power meter, wheels, cockpit, saddle and finishing components — and create a Tarmac tailored specifically to the way you ride.

Whether your ambition is building an ultra-light climbing machine, an uncompromising race bike, or simply your dream road bike, the S-Works Tarmac SL9 Frameset leaves you with one of the finest possible places to start.

Every gram has a purpose. Every shape has been engineered for speed.

Now you decide how to build the rest.

Product images, descriptions and specifications are provided for reference and illustrative purposes only. Actual colours, finishes, included components and specifications may vary depending on model, size and availability. Please confirm the exact frameset contents and specifications before purchase.

Disclaimer: Product images and descriptions are for illustrative and reference purposes only. Actual colours, finishes, components, specifications, and graphics may vary from those shown or described. Please confirm the final specifications and availability with our team before purchase.